Last week I wrote of the gravity of the situation in Ukraine, and I am pleased to say that Swindon has risen to the challenge with a remarkable town-wide effort to provide relief to those Ukrainian refugees fleeing Putin’s aggression.
On Thursday, I had the privilege of visiting the Polish community centre in Park South, where representatives from the Polish community met with charities, hauliers, local residents and Councillor Bazil Solomon to organise the logistics of donating a huge quantity of essentials to those Ukrainian refugees who have found safety on the other side of the Polish border. The impressive amount of donations is the result of a campaign launched by the Polish community and is such an accurate reflection of how big a heart Swindon has.
Similarly, I was delighted to pay visits to both Dash Couriers and Phoenix Enterprises. There I saw for myself and gave thanks for all the hard work they have done in collecting supplies from the people of Swindon and transporting them to those Ukrainians in need. We have done ourselves proud in our response to the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine, and as the situation develops, I have no doubt we will continue to club together to offer our help and support.
In keeping with the selflessness of the town, I was humbled to attend a train-naming event at Swindon Station on Thursday morning, where I met the amazing Liz Gallagher. Liz delayed her retirement as the ward manager of an ICU to work at the frontline of the town’s fight against the Covid pandemic. She also volunteered at the Steam vaccine clinic, and the train named after her serves as a lasting and fitting reminder of all that she, and countless like her, gave up for others.
I was also really pleased to visit the Nepali Association of Wiltshire at the weekend to celebrate International Women’s Day. The day, which falls on the 8th of March, is always a fantastic opportunity to pay tribute to the wonderful women that make up our communities and have contributed so much not just locally or nationally but internationally. The event at the Association was no exception, and it was great to hear the stories of local women and how they have shaped Swindon.
Recently, I have been hard at work on a “Ten Minute Rule Bill” to allow Institutes of Technology (IoTs) to be given Royal Charters. While this sounds very complicated, essentially it will put IoTs on the same footing as this country’s world-leading universities. This is an important step as we look to address the skills gap and recognise the exemplary work these institutions, like our very own Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology, are doing in providing the modern and technical jobs employers and the economy need.
At a time when events abroad are growing more and more shocking and giving us all pause for thought, I have been privileged to see Swindon at its best. Sometimes it can be easy to take for granted your hometown or local area, but as your local MP I am reminded each week what brilliant people make up our town.
